safari opens yahoo instead of google

How to Fix Search Engine Keeps Changing to Yahoo in Chrome

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling.

Google Chrome remains the most popular desktop browser out there. It has excellent extension support and works seamlessly with its other services like Gmail, Google Docs, and more. While Google Search is the default option on Chrome, many have noticed Google Search changing to Yahoo out of nowhere. If you’re as annoyed as us, here are the best ways to fix Google search switching to Yahoo in Chrome. 

Yahoo is clearly an inferior search engine compared to Google. Instead of settling with a below-average search engine, use the tricks below to switch back to Google on Chrome. Before we start with troubleshooting steps, let’s first understand why your Chrome search engine switches to Yahoo in the first place. 

Why Do My Google Searches Go to Yahoo in Chrome

There are several reasons behind the behavior. The most significant factor is malware, commonly called browser hijackers. They are a constant threat to millions of users around the world. Some browsers are more prone to them, some less, and some, a minority, can’t be affected.

Furthermore, it also depends on the user. If you habitually install random apps from the web, then some PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) might take over device applications and change settings.

Why Do Browser Hijackers Change Search Engine to Yahoo

You may affect your desktop with browser hijackers when you install software or download media files from unverified sources on the web. These hijackers switch Google search to Yahoo and direct you to bogus websites to earn ad revenues. They trick affected users into navigating websites filled with ads and trackers. This is also popularly called as Yahoo redirect virus.

If you’re constantly facing this issue, move on to the next section that highlights fixes for this.

8 Ways to Fix Google Search Switches to Yahoo in Chrome

If you frequently notice Google switching to Yahoo in Chrome, use the troubleshooting tricks to get rid of Yahoo redirect virus once and for all. 

1. Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome

If you aren’t using Chrome’s multi-profile feature, the chances are, someone might have changed the default search engine on Google Chrome. It could be someone you usually share your computer with. You need to revert it to Google using the steps below.

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome. Click the three-dot menu at the upper right corner.

Step 2: Open Settings. 

Step 3: Select Search engine and choose Google as the preferred search engine. 

2. Remove Yahoo Search Engine from Google Chrome

Google Chrome lets you manage search engines from Settings. Here’s how you can remove Yahoo from it. 

Step 2: Open Settings and select Search engine.

Step 2: Expand ‘Manage search engines and site search’.

Step 3: Find Yahoo on the list, click the three-dot menu beside it, and hit Delete. 

3. Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions play a vital role in the Chrome ecosystem. Extensions let you add more features to the basic Chrome interface and functionality. However, some may not be actively maintained, are outdated, or develop incompatibilities with new Chrome builds. Some malicious extensions may prefer the Yahoo search engine instead of Google.

If you have dozens of Chrome extensions installed, figuring out which one is causing the issue can be challenging. The easiest solution is to disable all extensions and then enable only the ones you need one at a time.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and tap on the three-dot menu at the top.

Step 2: Navigate to More tools > Extensions.

Step 3: It will open the Extension menu. Now, turn off the toggle for each extension to disable all. Alternatively, tap on the Remove button to remove Chrome extensions.

4. Reset Google Chrome Settings

A wrong setting tweak may be why your Google search switches to Yahoo. It’s time to reset Chrome settings. It will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies and cache.

Note : Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain unaffected.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome > tap on the three-dot menu at the top > select Settings.

Step 2: Select ‘Reset and clean up’ in the sidebar. 

Step 3: Select ‘Reset settings to their original defaults’ and confirm your decision. 

5. Use Chrome’s Clean Up Computer Tool

Google Chrome lets you find suspicious or irrelevant programs on your computer. You can check the suggestion to remove the program, tweak settings, and disable extensions. 

Step 1: Open Chrome > tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top > select Settings. 

Step 2:  Select ‘Reset and clean up’ from the sidebar. Click ‘Clean up computer’.

Step 3: Find and remove harmful software. Once done, reboot your PC. 

6. Scan PC Using Windows Security

Google search switching to Yahoo in Chrome can be due to a redirect virus or malware. This virus or malware redirects your browser to multiple sites and then deposes you onto the Yahoo site. Hackers generate revenue from clicks, collect personal data, and track your internet activity.

It’s time to scan the PC using the default Windows Security tool. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Windows Security. Hit Enter. 

Step 2: Open Scan options under ‘Virus & threat protection’. 

Step 3: Select Full scan and click on Scan now to scan your PC and get rid of Yahoo redirect virus. 

You can minimize the app and continue doing your work as usual. If Windows Security isn’t working , read our dedicated post to fix the problem.

7. Remove Yahoo Programs From Your PC

A recently installed Yahoo program may cause Google search switches to Yahoo issues. You should remove such apps from Windows Settings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Launch Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I keys. 

Step 2: Go to Apps and select Installed apps. 

Step 3: Find an irrelevant app from the list, click the kebab menu beside it, and hit Uninstall. 

8. Ditch Google Chrome

If you are still directed to Yahoo search engine from Chrome, it’s time to ditch it in favor of an alternative.

Microsoft Edge is a good Chrome alternative out there. It’s Chromium-based, available on all platforms, and supports all Google Chrome extensions.

Another Solid Google Chrome rival is Firefox. Mozilla has improved Firefox offering by leaps and bounds in recent times. You can also opt for desktop privacy browsers such as Safari and Brave.

Tips to Avoid Yahoo Redirect Virus in Google Chrome

• Avoid installing apps from unknown sources on the web. 
• Periodically check your installed extensions and Google Chrome and remove unnecessary ones. 
• Run a Windows Security scan on your PC once a month. 

Google Search Switching to Yahoo: FAQs

If you frequently notice Google Chrome search engine changing to Yahoo, your browser is hijacked.

Yes, you can uninstall Chrome and set it up from scratch to remove malware.

No, you need to take an educated guess to confirm malware and virus affecting your web-browsing experience.

You should avoid visiting such websites in the first place. If you still want to browse them, use an effective ad-blocker to prevent such pop-ups.

Start Browsing Again

Why does Yahoo keep opening in Chrome? It’s one of the most frequently asked questions from Google Chrome users. Using the tricks above, you can fix the Google search switches to Yahoo issue in no time. Do let us know the trick that worked for you.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 21 April, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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'Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?': How to reset your browser settings to remove a potential virus

Steven john   .

• If your default search engine keeps changing to Yahoo suddenly when you traditionally use Chrome , Safari , or Firefox to surf the web, your computer is likely afflicted with malware.
• Manually resetting your browser's settings should stop the Yahoo redirect virus from obstructing your system.
• Yahoo is not to blame for the redirection — the malware has simply deposited you onto Yahoo's site after quickly funneling you through transitional domains, often collecting your data in the process.

Though Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, if it isn't your preferred site, it can be frustrating to have it continuously pop up every time you open your internet browser. But, you can easily resolve the issue -- here's how.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple macbook pro (from $1,299.00 at apple), acer chromebook 15 (from $179.99 at walmart), if your default search engine keeps changing suddenly to yahoo, your computer may have malware.

The problem can likely be attributed to malware — specifically, the Yahoo search redirect virus. This virus works by rapidly redirecting your browser to an intermediary site (or sometimes to multiple sites) and then depositing you onto the Yahoo site. Any revenue then generated via clicks made on Yahoo will direct some revenue back to those intermediary sites. The hackers responsible for the virus also use it to collect your data and track your internet activity.

So it's not Yahoo's fault, but it is an issue you need to clear up. You don't want to be forced to use Yahoo by malware that can track you and potentially harm your computer.

There are many ways your system can contract the redirect malware, but the solution is the same for most browsers: reset your browser's settings.

How to reset Safari browser settings

1. With Safari open, click the word "Safari" at the top left bar on your screen, then click "Preferences."

2. Click the gear wheel for "Advanced" and make sure the "Show Develop menu in bar" box is checked.

3. Click "Develop" in the top task bar, then click "Empty Caches" in the dropdown.

4. Now click "History" from the top taskbar and clear all search history.

5. Finally, go back to "Preferences" and click "Privacy," then hit "Manage Website Data…" and "Remove All" on the pop-up window.

Now restart Safari and you should be all set.

How to reset Chrome browser settings

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots at the top right of the browser, then click "Settings."

2. Scroll down and click to expand the "Advanced" section, then click "Restore settings to their original defaults" under "Reset settings."

3. Click "Reset settings" on the popup window to confirm.

Wiping your browser settings will clear all cookies and extensions and reset your search engine, new tab page, startup page, and pinned tabs. It will not erase your saved passwords, history, or bookmarks. Restart Chrome and off you go.

How to reset Firefox browser settings

1. Open Firefox and then click "Help" and then "Troubleshooting information."

2. Click the button that says "Refresh Firefox."

3. In the popup window, click "Refresh Firefox" to confirm.

Your browser should now be clear of any malicious add-ons.

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Why Does My Search Engine Keep Changing to Yahoo? (FIXED)

Unauthorized changing of your search engine to Yahoo is a case of browser hijacking, something you can fix effortlessly with the help of this simple guide.

We all have our favorites. For example, we have a favorite movie, a favorite song, a favorite outfit, and even a favorite search engine. And it is a frustrating situation when instead of those favorites something completely different or unwanted appears. For instance, many of our readers and other users on the web are experiencing an annoying problem where their go-to or preferred search engine gets replaced by Yahoo, prompting them to try finding answers to the question, why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?

Are you also experiencing a similar problem? If yes, kudos to you for finding the right article to read. Here, you are going to find all the answers you need.

Let us begin by answering the burning question, “Why does my default search engine keep changing to Yahoo?” before attempting to fix the issue.

Why Search Engine Keeps Changing to Yahoo

Yahoo is among the most popular and legitimate search engines. There is nothing wrong with the search engine itself. However, the situation gets disturbing when Yahoo is continuously replacing your default or preferred search engine.

Going deeper into the problem, we find it occurs because of a browser hijacker. In simple terms, a browser hijacker is malware that infects your browser and changes the browser settings without your knowledge or authorization.

Categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA), this malware modifies the default browser settings, the homepage of your browser, and new tab URLs. Many browser hijackers redirect you to websites with advertisements that you can click to help the hacker generate revenue.

Sometimes, revenue generation is not the only goal of the hackers. They may even keep tabs on your browsing history to gather your information. Moreover, browser hijacking also makes it easier for hackers to control your entire system, steal confidential information from your computer to use your identity for various fraudulent purposes.

However, you do not need to panic, as the next section of this article discusses how to reset browser settings to eliminate the browser hijacker malware.

Also Read: Best Safari Browser Extensions for Mac

How to Remove Yahoo Search from Chrome and Other Browsers

After answering your question “Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?” let us discuss how to solve this problem on various browsers by resetting the browser settings.

Resetting Chrome Browser Settings

You can follow the steps below to reset your Chrome browser’s settings on Windows and Mac to solve the problem you are experiencing.

Chrome browser settings reset on Windows

• To begin with, launch Google Chrome on your PC.

• Now, select Settings from the menu you get on your screen.

• Lastly, click on the button to Reset Settings to complete the process.

Resetting Chrome settings on Mac

• Firstly, launch Google Chrome on your Mac.

Above, we answered a question many users have, “Why does my Chrome search engine keep changing to Yahoo?”, and learned how to fix the issue. Now, let us learn to reset other browsers.

Also Read: How to Clear Search History From Any Browser?

Resetting Safari browser settings

Here are the steps you can take to reset the settings of the Safari browser to fix the search engine being replaced by the Yahoo problem.

• To begin with, choose Safari from the menu in the upper pane of your screen.

• Now, navigate to the Advanced tab.

• Choose Develop from the menu bar.

• Select History from the top menu and then Clear History. 
• Click on the dropdown option present alongside Clear and choose whether you wish to clear the history for the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. In our opinion, it is better to clear all history.
• Click on the Clear History button.
• Now, you can return to the Preferences of Safari.
• Click on the Privacy option (it looks like a hand).

• Choose the Remove All option.
• Lastly, restart your Safari browser.

Resetting Firefox browser settings

Following are the steps to reset your Firefox browser’s settings on Windows and Mac if you are searching “Why does my default browser keep changing to Yahoo and how to fix it?”

• To begin with, open your computer’s Firefox browser.

• Now, select Help from the on-screen menu.

• Confirm your intention to reset the settings of your browser by clicking the button to Refresh Firefox. 
• Lastly, click Finish to complete the process.

Once you have reset your browser settings using the above guide, we suggest scanning your computer using the best antivirus software to ensure no trace of malware remains on your computer.

Also Read: How to Clear Cache and Cookies on Browser (Windows PC)

This article addressed an issue of browser hijacking where the Yahoo search engine replaces your default search engine. We hope we succeeded in answering your question, “Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo, and how to solve this problem?” to your satisfaction. However, if you still need more clarity on the subject or wish to suggest something about this write-up, you can leave us a comment without any hesitation. We will be pleased to help you.

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Browser Search Engine Keeps Changing to Yahoo? 4 Ways to Fix

A favorite trick of browser hijackers

Thanks to Yahoo’s unique revenue-sharing model, it’s lucrative for browser hijackers to redirect random users to its search engine. If you notice something similar happening on your own browser, you should immediately take steps to shut it down.

Not only is it irritating to constantly switch back and forth between search engines, but it also generates revenue for viruses and malicious websites. Here are the best ways to fix this problem and get your preferred search engine working again.

Fix 1: Uninstall Malicious Browser Extensions

The only way for a virus to infect a web browser is through an extension. This is why many users have extensions disabled. If you recently added any unverified browser extensions, it’s a good idea to uninstall them.

That’s not to say that browser extensions are inherently bad. There are plenty of useful add-ons out there from reputed websites and services. The problem is with lesser-known extensions that are actually viruses in disguise.

But how do you determine which browser extension is malicious? A comprehensive approach is to remove all extensions, then gradually add them back one by one, checking if the problem reoccurs.

• The process to view installed browser extensions is virtually the same in every web browser.
• In Google Chrome , open Settings from the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select Extensions .
• In Mozilla Firefox , open the hamburger menu, click Add-ons and Themes , and select Extensions .
• In Apple Safari , open the menu, select Preferences , and switch to the Extensions tab. Mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad directly give you a Manage Extensions option in the menu.

• You can see all active browser extensions in this window. Go over this list and uninstall any addon you don’t use (or don’t remember installing). This usually removes the offending extensions, as they are usually installed by popups.

Fix 2: Change Your Default Search Engine

When you install sketchy apps from the web, they often set the Yahoo search engine as default during the installation process. In these cases, all you need to do is to manually change it again.

Of course, if you’re actually being redirected by an errant browser extension, changing the default search engine won’t do anything. This is why cleaning up unnecessary add-ons is the first step to fixing the issue.

Changing the default search engine, once again, has similar steps in all leading web browsers. Open the drop-down menu of your browser, head to Settings (or Preferences in Safari), and select Search ( Search Engine in Chrome settings). Now you can set the search engine of your choice as the default.

If you are one of the rare few who use the Microsoft Edge browser, the process is a bit different. Open Settings from the three-dot menu, and then select Privacy, search, and services . Scroll down to the bottom to find the Address bar and search option. Clicking on this presents you with the option to change your search engine (Bing is the default option).

Fix 3: Scan Your PC for Malware

While the usual culprit for constantly changing your browser’s search engine is an extension, unwanted programs you accidentally installed might also be responsible. You can fix that by scanning your PC.

Such viruses are low on the totem pole of dangerous malware and are easily detected by almost all antivirus applications. Scanning your computer with the built-in Windows Defender is sufficient.

• To run a virus scan with Windows Defender, open the Windows Security app. You can find the app by searching security in the Start Menu.

• Switch to the Virus & threat protection panel.

• For simple malware like this, a Quick scan is all that you need. But if you want, you can click Scan options to reveal other choices and select Full scan instead. Either way, Windows Defender will scan your PC and remove any viruses found.

Fix 4: Reset Your Browser

A factory reset is always the final option in any kind of browser issue, whether it stems from a hijacking extension or an incorrect setting. This restores the browser to its original state, wiping clean all user settings and data.

You can reset every web browser except for Safari, where you must manually do everything, from clearing cookies to restoring your Preferences to the original defaults. You are better off just disabling browser extensions on a Mac.

Resetting your browser may seem like a drastic option, but you actually don’t lose that much. Things like bookmarks are already tied to your Google account, so you can bounce back from a browser reset immediately.

What Is the Best Way to Fix a Browser Search Engine Changing to Yahoo Problem?

If your browser’s search engine keeps changing to search.yahoo.com, you are probably being targeted by a browser hijacker. The best way to beat this is by removing useless browser extensions and changing the default search engine of your browser.

In case that doesn’t fix it, scan your PC with an antivirus tool to remove the Yahoo search redirect virus, and reset your browser to clean up invasive cookies.

The steps are virtually the same in all web browsers, only differing in the names used. You can even use these fixes to remove Yahoo search from Android and iOS devices and restore Google search as the default search engine.

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Why does my search engine keep changing to Yahoo?

Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, but if your search bar changes to Yahoo without your input, then that’s a red flag. If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo even after you switch it to something else, odds are that you have malware on your device—most likely a browser hijacker.

In this post, we’ll explain what a browser hijacker is, how you can remove the malware, and how you can prevent malware such as browser hijackers from invading your device again.

What is a browser hijacker?

A  browser hijacker  is a type of malware. You’re probably familiar with the word “malware” but just in case you’re not,  malware  is malicious software. While motives can vary, one common aim of this invasive software is to steal data. Malware can also disrupt devices and networks.

Just one of many types of malware is a browser hijacker. This is  created with the intention of modifying your internet browser settings  without your knowledge or consent. Not only can a browser hijacker change your  search engine , it can also change your home page.

What are some of the risks of a browser hijacker?

A browser hijacker can forcefully redirect you to certain websites and change your home page. They might be phishing sites, or sites laden with intrusive ads. Some browser hijackers and  adware  inject ads into your browser.

Some browser hijackers may even contain  spyware  in the form of a keylogger. A  keylogger  records keystrokes and, as a result, is capable of gathering some very sensitive (and valuable) information. This includes login credentials,  online banking  details, and private messages. Some of the consequences of keyloggers (essentially a form of spyware) includes  cyber stalking  and  identity theft . Needless to say, browser hijackers can pose all sorts of problems.

How do browser hijackers infect a device?

Browser hijackers have multiple ways to infect a device. One of the most common is through the installation of a compromised web browser toolbar, extension, or add-on. These are  typically bundled with free software  or found on third-party sites. You can also get a browser hijacker by downloading a malicious email attachment, opening an infected file, or clicking the wrong link on a malicious website.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, it’s not the user’s intention to download and install the browser hijacker. Most people won’t know that a browser hijacker is bundled with a particular set of files or software. Changes can be small, from adding a new toolbar to more serious hijackings that redirect the user to malicious websites.

What are the signs of a browser hijacker?

Think you’ve already been infected by a browser hijacker? Here are a few of the telltale signs that can help you confirm your suspicions:

• Your browser’s default search engine keeps changing to another (such as  Yahoo )
• A new toolbar, plugin, or extensions has appeared in your browser that you didn’t knowingly install
• You are forcefully redirected to shady websites
• More  pop-up ads  than usual appear in your browser
• Web pages load more slowly than usual
• Your home page has changed without your input

Some browser hijackers are more discreet than others, and may be more difficult to detect. This is especially true if their goal is to spy on you.

How to remove a browser hijacker

The good news is that most browser hijackers aren’t too difficult to remove. The quickest and easiest way to remove a browser hijacker is by running antivirus or anti-malware software.

Here’s how to use an antivirus to remove a browser hijacker:

• Download and install a trusted antivirus program. Our  best antivirus providers  include Norton 360 and TotalAV .
• Open the antivirus app and perform a full scan of your device.
• Let the antivirus quarantine and remove the infected files.

While the easiest way to remove a browser hijacker is usually with quality antivirus software, you may be able to manually remove it yourself. Below, we explain how you can do this.

How to reset your browser

It can also be a good idea to reset your browser to its default settings. We’ll explain how to do this with the most popular browsers. Note that resetting your browser removes plugins in Firefox and Edge. However, it only disables them in Chrome so we’ll also explain how to fully remove plugins (also referred to as extensions) within Chrome browser.

• Open  Chrome .
• Click on  More  (the three dots in the top right corner) and go to  Settings .
• Select  Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings .

And here’s how to remove plugins within Chrome:

• Open Chrome
• Click  More  (three dots or lines in the top right).
• Select  Extensions  from the list.
• Go to the extension (plugin) you’d like to delete and select  Remove .
• Click  Remove  again to confirm.
• Open  Firefox .
• Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
• Select  Help  followed by  More troubleshooting information .
• Click on  Refresh Firefox . Press Refresh Firefox again to confirm.
• Open  Microsoft Edge .
• Click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner and then select  Settings .
• Select  Reset Settings  from the left hand menu.
• Click on  Restore settings to their default values  and press  Reset  to confirm.

Safari  is a lot more complicated to reset because there’s no single reset button available. Instead, you need to clear your Safari history and cache, and delete extensions, bookmarks, and plug-ins.

Here’s how to clear your Safari history:

• Open Safari.
• Click on  Safari  on the menu bar and select  Preferences  (or  Settings ).
• Select  Privacy  from the top of the window that appears.
• Go to  Manage Website Data  and then click  Remove All .

Here’s how to clear clear your Safari cache:

• Select Safari followed by  Preferences .
• Click on the  Advanced  tab.
• Tick the box next to  Show Develop menu .
• Click on the  Develop  menu and select  Empty Caches .

Here’s how to remove Safari extensions:

• Click on the Safari menu and select  Preferences .
• Select the  Extensions  tab.
• Check the box next to an extension followed by  Uninstall .

Here’s how to delete Safari bookmarks:

• Click the  Sidebar  button in the toolbar.
• Go to  Bookmarks .
• Right-click on each bookmark and hit  Delete .

Here’s how to delete Safari plugins:

• In Finder, click on the  Go  menu and select  Library .
• Open the  Internet Plug-ins  folder.
• Drag the plug-ins to the trash can.

In some cases, the browser hijacker will be installed on your system as an app, rather than a browser extension or add-on. You will need to uninstall it as you would other programs:

Removing a browser hijacker on Windows

• Click on the  Windows  logo in the bottom left corner of the screen.
• Type  Control Panel  in the search bar.
• Click on  Uninstall a program  underneath Programs.
• Sort the listed programs by  Installed On .
• Select any suspicious software and click  Uninstall .

Removing a browser hijacker on Mac

By following the below steps, you can see all of the applications on your  Mac , including those that are hidden that run in the background.

• Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen.
• Select  About This Mac  followed by  Overview > System Report .
• Go to  Applications  under the Software section.
• Using  Last Modified , arrange the applications to show those most recently modified.
• Proceed to uninstall any unknown applications by going to  Finder > Applications  and dragging the relevant program to the trash on the far right end of the dock.

Browser hijackers: FAQs

Can browser hijackers steal my personal information.

Not all browser hijackers will steal your personal information. Many redirect you to sites or ads where the clicks generate revenue for the attacker. However,  some browser hijackers may be bundled with other malware such as spyware which could then steal your personal information  including login credentials and banking details. Furthermore, some browser hijackers may redirect you to sites that look legitimate, with the intention of stealing your passwords or payment info.

Are browser hijackers only a problem on certain browsers?

Browser hijackers are not specific to any single browser and  can potentially affect any browser , be it Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. However, some browser hijackers may be designed to target a vulnerability or specific feature of a browser. Indeed, browser hijackers often manipulate browser settings such as your homepage and default search engine. This is an issue that can affect any browser.

Which browser best protects me from browser hijackers?

All major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari have security measures to protect against browser hijackers. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and that’s why it’s good practice to keep your browser updated. Even so, this is still no guarantee.  What’s more important than the browser you use is your own security practices,  such as using  strong passwords  and only downloading trusted apps and extensions from official sources.

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How to change the default search engine in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac

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Search engines are integral to our web experience, helping us find information fast and effortlessly. On iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Safari has Googe as its default search engine.

However, if you wish to use some other search engine like Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo, you can easily change Safari’s default search engine on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Read along to find out how to do it.

How to change the default Search Engine in Safari on iPhone and iPad

• Launch the Settings app on your iPhone → Tap Safari . (In iOS 18, Go to Settings → Apps → Safari.)   

Remember, changing the default search engine on Safari will provide the same search engine in private browsing , too. 

How to change the default search engine in Safari on Mac

• Launch the Safari browser.  

• Now, choose the search engine of your choice. 

Additional tips to improve the Safari experience

Troubleshooting common issues on the Safari browser can be a daunting task. To make things easier, we have compiled some helpful  tips and tricks for the best Safari experience . Below are a few other hacks:

• Safari is regularly updated to fix bugs and add new features, so always install the latest version.  
• Clearing the Safari cache and cookies on your iPhone and Mac can help you resolve website loading issues, so make sure you clear them periodically.  
• Extensions and plug-ins can sometimes interfere with Safari. Try disabling them to see if they’re the cause of your issues.  
• If you’re having issues with webpages loading, try changing your DNS server to a different one.

Change is good

Now, you can easily change Safari’s default search engine to Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ecosia, or DuckDuckGo. With Apple’s diverse range of products, it’s important to ensure you’re always in control of what appears in your search results.   

Following the steps outlined in this article, you can replace Google with another search engine. Feel free to share your concerns, if any, in the comments below. 

Read More:  

• How to remove Search Marquis from Chrome and Safari on Mac  
• How to use Tab Groups in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac  
• How to use Safari’s Distraction Control feature on an iPhone
• How to fix Escape key not working on Mac

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How to Replace Yahoo with Google Search in Safari

Trying to search from Safari, but Yahoo keeps popping up? Here’s how to swap it out for some sweet Google search results.

What’s a ‘default search engine,’ you ask? Back in the day, most web browsers used to have separate search boxes and address bars. Type your URL in one, and your search query in the other. These days those two boxes have generally been replaced by a single bar. If you type a web address into it, you’ll go to a specific web page.  If you just type in a random query, you’ll get taken to a page of search results.

Note: if you prefer using Google Chrome to Safari, Google will be the default search engine when you open up the browser. I recommend sticking to Safari on OS X, however, because it offers much smoother scrolling on webpages, and even nabs you better battery life (up to an hour or more, in some cases).

Step 1. Open Safari.

You can either click on the Safari icon in your OS X dock, or tap  ⌘+Space to bring up spotlight; type Safari in the box and hit enter.

In order to open Safari’s preferences pane, move your cursor to the top of the screen and click on ‘Safari’, then click on ‘Preferences’ in the drop down menu. Alternately, you can bring up the preferences pane of most native OS X applications by hitting  ⌘+, (that’s a comma) on any window.

See that big magnifying glass in the middle of the preferences window? Tap on that.

In the search window, you’ll see “Search engine:” followed by a drop-down menu. Clicking on the menu will reveal a few pre-installed search engines, like Yahoo and Google, but also Microsoft’s Bing and the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo. Select the search engine you want to use just by clicking on the relevant entry.

Once you’re done, just close the window – there’s no need to hit a save or confirm button, as Apple saves what you select automatically. Now when you search for something in the bar across the top, you’ll be using Google…or Bing…or whichever search engine you chose!

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Why is Yahoo my search engine? How to fix your browser when it keeps changing to Yahoo

• If your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to the browser hijacker virus.
• Hackers use the Yahoo search redirect virus to earn revenue generated by clicks on Yahoo.
• To get rid of the Yahoo virus, reset your browser settings for Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Though Yahoo is a legitimate search engine, if it isn't your preferred site, it can be frustrating to have it continuously pop up every time you open your internet browser. 

In fact, if your search engine keeps changing to Yahoo, it may be due to a browser hijacker virus. And even though it sounds scary, there's actually a simple fix. Here's how to get rid of it.  

What is a browser hijacker virus?

A browser hijacker virus is a malicious piece of code that modifies your browser's settings behind your back. By hijacking your browser, the virus redirects you – without your permission – to websites that are often malicious in nature.

On top of that, a browser hijacker virus is also used as a means to infect your computer with other types of malware . For example, it might install spyware on your computer behind the scenes, allowing the hacker who is monitoring the malware to steal your personal and financial information.

If your default search engine keeps changing suddenly to Yahoo, your computer may have malware

This problem can likely be attributed to malware — specifically, the Yahoo search redirect virus. This virus works by rapidly redirecting your browser to an intermediary site (or sometimes to multiple sites) and then depositing you onto the Yahoo site. 

Any revenue then generated via clicks made on Yahoo will direct some revenue back to those intermediary sites. The hackers responsible for the virus also use it to collect your data and track your internet activity.

So it's not Yahoo's fault, but it is an issue you need to clear up. You don't want to be forced to use Yahoo by malware that can track you and potentially harm your computer.

There are many ways your system can contract the redirect malware, but the solution is the same for most browsers: reset your browser's settings.

How to reset Safari browser settings

1. Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. 

2. In the menu, click Preferences .

3. Select the Advanced tab – the option that looks like two gears. 

4. Make sure the Show Develop menu in the menu bar box is checked.

5. Click Develop in the menu bar, and then select Empty Caches .

6. Click History in the menu bar, and then select Clear History .

7. In the pop-up, click the dropdown next to Clear and select a time period – between the last hour , today , today and yesterday , and all history . Then, click Clear History .

8. Go back to Safari's Preferences . 

9. Select the Privacy tab – the option that looks like a hand. 

10. Click Manage Website Data . 

11. In the pop-up, click Remove All .

Now restart Safari and you should be all set.

How to reset Chrome browser settings

1. Open Chrome on your computer. 

2. Click the more icon – the three vertical dots – in the top right corner of the browser window. 

3. Click Settings in the menu .

4. In the left side menu, click Reset and clean up .

5.  In the right panel, click Restore settings to their original defaults .

6. Click Reset settings in the pop-up to confirm.

How to reset Firefox browser settings

1. Open Firefox on your computer. 

2. Click the hamburger menu – the three horizontal lines that look like a burger – in the top right corner of the browser window.

3. In the menu, click Help and then More troubleshooting information .

4. Click the Refresh Firefox button.

5. In the popup window, click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Your browser should now be clear of any malicious add-ons.

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How to Change the Default Search Engine in Popular Browsers on Apple Devices

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In most browsers, Google is the default search engine. It does the job well, but if you wish to switch to a different search engine, the steps to do so are easy.

Follow this guide to change the default search engine on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. We’ll cover instructions for all the most popular browser: Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge,

Change the Default Search Engine in Safari

Google is the default search engine in Safari. But there are plenty of alternatives to Google if you don’t like it. Here’s how to use a different service in Safari on your Apple devices.

On an iPhone or iPad

Follow these steps:

• Open the Settings , scroll down, and tap Safari .
• Tap Search Engine .
• Choose Yahoo , Bing , DuckDuckGo , or Ecosia .

Just like on an iPhone, Google is the default search engine in Safari on Mac. Here’s how to change and switch to a different option:

• Open Safari and press Cmd + Comma (,) to open the Safari Preferences. Alternatively, from the menu bar, you can click Safari > Preferences .
• Click Search .
• Click the dropdown menu next to Search engine and select Yahoo , Bing , DuckDuckGo , or Ecosia .

Change the Default Search Engine in Chrome

Chrome is a Google product so, as you’d expect, its default search engine is Google. But you can change it effortlessly by following these quick steps.

• Open Chrome, tap the three dots icon from the bottom right and choose Settings .
• Tap Bing , Yahoo , DuckDuckGo , or Ecosia to set it as the default search engine.

Here’s how to change the default search engine in Chrome from Google to something else on a Mac:

• Launch Chrome on your Mac and press Cmd + Comma (,) to see its preferences.
• Click Search engine .
• Next to Search engine used in the address bar , choose Ecosia , Bing , DuckDuckGo , or Yahoo .

If you want to use a different search engine, click Manage search engines > Add . Alternatively, under Other search engines , next to a website, you can click the three dots icon and choose Make default . To remove a custom site as the default search engine, choose a different option under the Default search engines list.

Change the Default Search Engine in Firefox

Out of the box, Firefox uses Google as the default search engine. But you can also set a different service as your default search engine.

On iPhone and iPad

Just follow these steps:

• Open Firefox and tap the hamburger icon (three short lines) from the bottom right.
• Tap Settings .
• Tap Search .
• Under Default Search Engine, tap Google .
• Choose Amazon , Bing , DuckDuckGo , Twitter , or Wikipedia as the default search engine in Firefox.

Unlike other browsers mentioned above, Firefox also shows icons of other search engines above your iOS keyboard when you’re typing to search for something. This handy feature ensures that you can easily use any other search engine to search for a particular query no matter what the default is.

You can customize these search engines on the Firefox Search screen. Toggle off the ones you don’t need. If you want to use some specific site like YouTube as the search engine, you can do that by tapping Add Search Engine . This custom service will also be listed as an option under Default Search Engine, and from here, you can set it as the default browser search engine.

Follow these steps to change the default search engine in Firefox on Mac:

• Open Firefox and press Cmd + Comma (,) to see its preferences.
• Under Default Search Engine , choose Bing , DuckDuckGo , or Wikipedia .

Firefox also shows the icons for other search engines when you search for something. This lets you perform a web search on that different search engine instead of the default one.

Additionally, you can type the search engine keyword like @bing , @ddg , or @wikipedia and then type your search term to override the default search engine.

To show or hide these alternative search engines, check or uncheck them from under Search Shortcuts . You can also customize the keyword shortcut by clicking and replacing it with something else.

Change the Default Search Engine in Edge

Microsoft Edge uses Bing (which is also owned by Microsoft) as the default search engine. But you can easily change it to Google, or anything else, on your Apple devices.

Follow these steps to change Edge’s search engine:

• Tap the three dots icon from the bottom of the screen and choose Settings .
• Tap General > Select search engine .
• Choose Yahoo , Google , DuckDuckGo , or Yandex .

Here’s how to stop using Bing and use Google or another search engine as the default in Microsoft Edge on Mac:

• Open Edge and press Cmd + Comma (,) to see its preferences.
• From the left side, click Privacy, Search, and Services .
• Scroll to the bottom and click Address bar and search .
• Click the dropdown next to Search engine used in the address bar and choose Yahoo , Google , DuckDuckGo , or Yandex .

To add any other service as the search engine, click Manage search engines > Add .

What to Do if Your Search Engine of Choice Isn’t Listed

If your search engine of choice (like Qwant) isn’t listed, you can use the Firefox browser and follow the above steps to set it as the search engine.

If you don’t want to use Firefox, you can bookmark the main page of that search engine or add it to your iPhone Home Screen . This will ensure you’re able to access the search engine’s main page quickly to enter your query.

Related: Fastest Mini Browsers for iPhone

Changing the Default Search Engine

This is how you can use a different search engine as the default option on the most popular iPhone, iPad, and Mac browsers. Down the line, if you feel to go back to the default option, follow the same steps and select Google or Bing.

In addition to changing the default search engine, you can also change the default web browser on all major operating systems, including iOS and iPadOS.

How-To Geek

How to remove yahoo search from google chrome.

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Why public wi-fi is a hacker’s playground (and how to protect yourself), the internet is not forever, so it's time to preserve what you can, quick links, how search engines are added and removed from chrome, remove yahoo search from chrome on desktop, remove yahoo as the default search engine in chrome on mobile, key takeaways.

To remove Yahoo search from Chrome, go to Settings > Search Engine > Manage Search Engines. Set a different search engine like Google or DuckDuckGo as the default, and in the options for Yahoo,

click "Remove From List" to delete it from Chrome entirely.

Not liking Yahoo as the default search engine in Google Chrome? If so, it's easy to remove the Yahoo search engine from Chrome's search bar. We'll show you how to do just that on desktop and mobile.

If you do not remember setting Yahoo as your search engine, it may have been caused by malware or a harmful Chrome extension . Consider disabling your Chrome extensions and removing malware to fix the issue.

Related: Search Engine Keeps Changing to Yahoo? Here's What to Do

In Chrome's desktop version, you can add as well as remove any search engine you want. In Chrome on mobile, though, you can't add or remove search engines. You can only switch to a different search engine if you do not prefer the current one.

Therefore, in this guide, you will learn how to remove Yahoo Search from Chrome on the desktop. On mobile, you will learn how to switch to another search engine , like Google.

Related: How to Change the Default Search Engine on Android

To remove Yahoo from the search engines list in Chrome on your Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer, first, open Chrome on your computer.

In Chrome's top-right corner, click the three dots.

From the three-dots menu, select "Settings."

On the "Settings" page, in the left sidebar, click "Search Engine."

You will see a "Search Engine" section on the right. Here, click "Manage Search Engines."

Chrome will open a "Manage Search Engines" page. If Yahoo is your default search engine, you will have to switch to a different search engine before you can remove Yahoo.

To do so, find your preferred search engine in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select "Make Default" from the menu.

You are now ready to remove Yahoo. To do so, next to "Yahoo" on the list, click the three dots and choose "Remove From List."

And immediately, Chrome will remove Yahoo from the search engines list.

On the same page, review the "Other Search Engines" list and, if it appears, remove Yahoo from there as well. You can do so by selecting the three dots next to "Yahoo" and choosing "Remove From List." Your browser is now Yahoo-free!

If Chrome still behaves weirdly, consider resetting it to the default settings . This will fix any options changed by malware or an extension.

In Chrome on your iPhone, iPad, and Android phone, you can't add or remove search engines, but you can switch between them. This allows you to get rid of Yahoo as the default search engine and make another search engine (like Google) the default.

To do so, first, open Chrome on your phone. Tap the three dots to open Chrome's menu. On an iPhone and iPad, you will find these three dots in the bottom-right corner. On an Android phone, these dots are at the top-right corner.

In the Chrome menu that opens, tap "Settings."

In the "Settings" menu, tap "Search Engine."

The "Search Engine" page displays all the available search providers. Select a non-Yahoo search engine here to make it the default.

That's it. Chrome on your phone now uses your selected search engine as the default.

And that's how you go about removing an undesired search engine from your favorite browser!

Did you know you can add any search engine to your browser?

Related: How to Add Any Search Engine to Your Web Browser

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when i open Safari, i get Yahoo instead, usually with a string of letters, symbols, etc

how do i get rid of Yahoo which opens instead of Safari?

Mac Pro, iOS 11.2.6

Posted on Mar 25, 2018 11:47 AM

Posted on Mar 25, 2018 1:59 PM

Safari is a browser. Yahoo is a website, You open Safari, and it can load the yahoo website, just like it loads any other website. It still Safari that's opening. since its the application. Its just what it loads.

If you want it to open a different website when Safari opens, then you change that in Preferences by changing the home page or the new Tab opens option there.

You can also set it to open your list of Favorites.

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Mar 25, 2018 1:59 PM in response to TommieluPaints

May 21, 2018 8:17 AM in response to TommieluPaints

I have the same issue with Safari and Firefox. When I open the browser and type Google.com, and enter a search, it redirects me to Yahoo.com. How do I remove Yahoo so that it stops taking over my search browser?

Mar 25, 2018 11:49 AM in response to TommieluPaints

1. Disable all extensions and test.

Turnoff or uninstall extensions.

Section: Manage extensions: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

2. Choose a search engine.

Delete all text in the Smart Search field, click the magnifying glass , then choose a search engine from the list.

https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

3. Set your Home Page. https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac

4. Restart your Mac.

5. Launch Safari holding the Shift key down.

6.If the steps posted above don’t help,

use Malwarebytes for Mac to remove adware/malware.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

Install guide: https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-1817

Uninstall Guide: https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-1190

Mar 25, 2018 1:54 PM in response to TommieluPaints

Is a different application opening instead of Safari or is Safari opening to Yahoo as the home page? More information would help.

Safari – Home Page see post by thomas r.

Home Page Locked - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8058186

May 8, 2018 9:38 AM in response to TommieluPaints

Your answer suffices if it's a question of settings. Unfortunately, we clearly have malware loose that takes over the Safari Browser, i.e. type in a subject and it skips the search entered in preferences.

Apple needs a fix for this persistent malware.

May 21, 2018 8:26 AM in response to randallfromkingwood

Go to Safari Preferences/Extensions and turn all extensions off. Test. If okay, turn the extensions on one by one until you figure out what extension is causing the problem. Look for one that has search in the name.

Jun 5, 2018 6:20 PM in response to Eric Root

this was the most helpful post for me. when i did what you suggested my search was fixed and i finally got out of my yahoo trap. its been a long week and this was so helpful i almost cried. thank you so much.

Jun 6, 2018 8:42 AM in response to cmulford12

You are welcome.

Jul 2, 2018 9:15 PM in response to TommieluPaints

thank you! that totally worked, and such a simple process!